Manufacturing Operations Departmental Manager

We have a fantastic opportunity for an Operations Departmental Manager (ODM) - Packing on a permanent contract to join us in our Liverpool plant. Reporting to the Operations Group Manager (Factory Manager) this role is key to lead the Packing Department to achieve current and future business results and to accelerate and build capability of the organisation through Integrated Work System (IWS) implementation. The ODM will need to demonstrate a "hands-on" approach spending at least 60% of the day being proximate on the shop floor, coaching Line & Shift Leads, defining and driving consistent standards. Leading by example and creating a sense of urgency will be key. They will understand the operations department performance through data analysis, developing action plans and focussing on the key problems, ensuring the root causes are found and eliminated., Operational Management

• Develop and implement operational strategies to meet company and departmental goals in line with Integrated Work System (IWS).
• Monitor and control departmental processes to ensure they are efficient and cost-effective
• Oversee daily operations and manage workflow to meet production/service targets.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and legal regulations.
Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of employees, ensuring a positive and productive work environment.
• Set individual and team objectives and conduct regular performance reviews and 1:1's.
• Provide coaching and development opportunities for team members.
• Manage recruitment, training, and onboarding of new team members.
Resource Management
• Ensure optimal use of resources (people, equipment, and budget) to maximize efficiency.
• Develop and manage budgets, including cost control and expenditure tracking.
• Ensure adequate stock, supplies, and materials are available for uninterrupted operations.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
• Monitor and analyse performance metrics (KPIs), identifying areas for improvement.
• Prepare and present regular reports on operational performance to the Plant Leadership Team (PLT)
• Implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality following IWS
• Ensure adherence to health and safety standards.
Cross-functional Collaboration
• Work closely with other departments (e.g Packing, Planning, Finance) to ensure alignment with overall business goals.
• Act as a liaison between departmental teams and PLT.
• Lead or contribute to company-wide initiatives or projects as needed.
Risk Management & Problem Solving
• Identify potential risks in operations and develop contingency plans to mitigate them.
• Resolve operational issues in a timely manner, minimizing disruption.
+ Foster a culture of continuous improvement and encourage innovative problem-solving.

About Danone Danone is embarking on an exciting global transformation to its strategy and organisational set up and we want you to be part of that journey! The importance of eating and drinking healthy nutritional products is stronger than ever and the chance to adapt and evolve through digital transformation is upon us. We want to embrace these opportunities to build a more agile, integrated and synchronised organisation powered by our people. We are a leading food and drink company with a fast-growing health-focused portfolio. With over 100 years of expertise, we care about every product we make, and we care equally about how we make them. We operate at 5 production sites as well as offices in the UK & Ireland- led by our people who power everything we do and are key to our success. We are a team of 2000+ Danoners, part of a 100,000 strong global family. At heart is conviction that peoples' health, and the health of the planet, are intrinsically connected. We talk about One Planet. One Health; that is our frame of action. To deliver this vision, we put our focus on delivering health through food and drinks to as many people as possible. Every minute on any given day, 3,600 people are eating or drinking on our products. Ranging from household favourites to international icons, our consumer and medical nutrition brands hold market leading positions in most of the categories in which we operate. Our brands include; Volvic, Evian, Harrogate, Activia, Alpro, Actimel, Nutricia, Aptamil and Cow & Gate., Look at the website www.danone.com to learn more about our 4 promises that help every Danoner carry out our vision in their own unique way, Dedicated to bringing health through food to as many people as possible, we are a leading global food & beverage company built on four businesses: Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters, Early Life Nutrition and Medical Nutrition.

We offer a competitive package including a double matched pension, annual bonus, private healthcare, life assurance and product vouchers. You will also be entitled to opt into a range of flexible benefits which you can pick to suit your lifestyle. These include discounted gym membership, childcare vouchers, dental cover, optical insurance, travel insurance, holiday buy & sell and much more!